The Golden Globe-nominated Irish actor will be joined by Abbie Cornish in Brad Silberling's suspense drama, which he is directing from his own original script, reported Collider.com.

The contemporary tale focuses on the unexpected relationship between a war criminal in hiding, played by Brendan - who currently stars in Albert Nobbs alongside Glenn Close - and his sole human contact, his maid (Abbie).

"There's no greater pleasure than crafting a tale for brilliant actors to sink their teeth into, and with Brendan and Abbie, I feel like I've hit the jackpot," said the director.

"Watching them go toe to toe in this suspenseful tightrope walk of veiled intentions, cat and mouse psychology, and desperate gambling for human contact - it will be a filmmaker's dream to capture."

The film is scheduled to start production on location in Belgrade, Serbia in the autumn.

Brendan, who previously appeared in Safe House opposite Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington and has lent his voice to the new Aardman film, The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists (Band Of Misfits), will next be seen in Robert Redford's action thriller The Company You Keep alongside Shia LaBeouf and Susan Sarandon.